Beards and Respirators
Hi Michael, I came across the same issue last year when an occupational hygienist found the method of applying a chemical substance resulted in exposure levels reaching the WEL. The gentleman who carried out the task had a beard as old as I am so, due to no other methods of application being viable, we had no choice but go for option 1.
Option 2 is difficult to get over the line if it wasn't a prerequisite for the job, until my current role I have been lucky enough to work in industries that made this very clear at the job application/interview stage.
The obvious answer to option 3 would be to remove, substitute or treat the hazard, (or remove the hairy person from the task if that is an option). If not then you'll have to take the cost of RPE on the chin (pun intended).
:smile:
Experience to pass on if you do go down the RPE hood route is to give the potential wearer a choice of hoods to trial prior to purchase in order to gauge the comfort and visibility. Include the wearing of the hose and battery/filter pack in this trial as they may get in the way or restrict movement when carrying out the task.
The cheaper option is the soft top type, but obviously this is only an option if you have no requirement to protect the head from any impact injuries.